Your Guide to Everything Real Estate

Now may be the best time to act on those real estate plans you’ve always dreamed of. Read about professionals in every field of real estate-related markets who are eager to serve you.

Home buying, building and remodeling are vital to our community. Many parts of our local economy are positively affected when these sectors are growing. That’s just what is happening now in the greater Rockford region. The effects of the housing crash of 2008 lingered because what followed was the slowest recovery of the American economy since the end of World War II. Today, GDP growth shows surprising signs of strength. That, coupled with new highs in the stock market and stronger job gains, provides reason for optimism that the positive signs we’ve seen will continue.

While the national economy is looking brighter, the local economy holds even greater promise for those seeking jobs and making changes to their home front. Major expansions by local manufacturers, hospitals, logistics companies and the Chicago Rockford International Airport portent a continuing uptick for those who can afford to buy, build and remodel a home. That spurs the employment of more tradesmen and higher sales in related ‘shelter market’ businesses. Flooring, furniture and appliance sales all increase. Contractors buy more supplies from their wholesalers. And, the banking community provides mortgages, while landing new customers for other financial services.

As was reported in our Manufacturers’ Roundtable Discussion in Northwest Quarterly Magazine’s last issue, the collaboration of Rock Valley College and Northern Illinois University on a bachelor’s degree in engineering will be very positive for our region going forward. Our manufacturing base is also much stronger than most people realize, and the need for qualified engineers is great. The University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford is having a positive effect in our healthcare community. Developing and retaining talent will drive future growth in our healthcare sector and manufacturing sectors, helping us to retain and grow the aerospace hub of employers now here. Indeed, outside companies will be looking to locate in this region because of the talent pool being developed on several levels.

After the housing crash, remodeling gained strength as homeowners chose to improve their homes when moving or building proved nearly impossible to do. We’ve now had 21 straight months of increases in home prices. The inventory of homes on the market is low because homes are selling at a brisk pace in certain price categories. In higher price categories, sales are improving also. New homes are being built once again, albeit at the lower price end. Higher-price home building has started again, too. Once home appraisals catch up with the higher, recorded home-sale prices, home building growth is likely to pick up speed.

All of this brings us to our reason for this special section titled “Everything Real Estate.” Our intent here is to highlight all of the good things happening in our local real estate-related markets. Of the many models that economists tout to explain economic growth, perhaps the most important one is the ‘Confidence Model.’ The basic premise is that if people believe the economy is going to improve, they will undertake economic activity that leads to this result. We believe there really is much to be positive about in our real estate-related markets. This belief is based on fact. There are many reasons to believe we are on the ground floor of increasingly better times in our real estate markets. There are good reasons to sell a home today and move up to that new home you desire. And the reasons to remodel are, perhaps, stronger than ever. Depending on your price category, building the new home of your dreams is more doable than at any time in the past decade.

In this special section, you will find professionals in every field of real estate-related markets who see the possibilities and are eager to serve you. So, go ahead and dream. Read on and prepare to take that next big step in your life – because it sure looks as if you’ll be glad you did.

Gambino Realtors

Gambino Realtors is one of the oldest and largest real estate firms in the area, serving the Rockford region since 1923.

We are equipped to assist you in your search for a residential or commercial property. Our associates are experienced agents who will go above and beyond to help you find the perfect Rockford area real estate.

Our commitment to honest, professional client representation is demonstrated by the vast number of repeat and referral clients that we have the pleasure to serve year after year.

When you trust Gambino Realtors to help you find homes for sale in the Rockford area, you work with professionals who take much more into consideration than just price range and square footage.

Gambino Realtors is the only local real estate firm to be accredited by the Better Business Bureau, and we are proud to have earned an A+ rating.

Although we are a long established firm, we are always on the cutting edge of new and innovative marketing efforts and client services. Our listings receive far more electronic and print exposure, which leads to quicker sales and better results.

Our professionals pay special attention to the type of community and environment you want to inhabit, and we work hard to find options that match your preferences. Finding a new home is a big step, so you need the right people by your side. We invite you take the journey with us.
You’ll see the difference that nearly a century of experience can make.

If you have plans to buy or sell real estate in the future, give us a call to find out how we’re the best choice!

Members Alliance Credit Union

Buying a home is one of the most important decisions, and likely largest investments, you will make in your lifetime. MembersAlliance is a smart choice for home financing. The area’s largest locally owned credit union and this year ranking in the top 3 mortgage lenders in The Rockford Register Star’s What Rocks in the Rock River Valley, (additionally ranking in Best Credit Union and Most Philanthropic categories) MembersAlliance Credit Union carries a full line of great mortgage products with friendly terms designed with you in mind.

Our skilled team of local loan representatives strives to fit our members’ needs, determine how much house they can afford, and fit them with the right product, quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, changing locations, or downsizing for your retirement years, your loan representative always has your best interests in mind. With competitive market interest rates and consumer friendly repayment terms, plus lower fees and closing costs, our mortgage specialists will be with you every step of the way. People helping people, that’s the credit union difference.

Apply for your home loan online or stop in to any of 5 convenient locations. We’ll answer your questions, work with your realtor or builder, and make the process smoother for you.

Knopp Construction

Knopp Construction Inc. has been providing home improvement, remodeling and residential construction services the right way for Northern Illinois homeowners since 1976. Owner, Paul Knopp has lived in the Rockford area all his life. “Every job no matter how small or large is important,” says Knopp. And, Paul’s philosophy of “you are my friends, my neighbors and my extended family,” embodies his approach to providing excellent service.

Our focus is on the satisfaction of our customers. Every job is treated Honestly, Fairly, with Quality and Integrity. Through decades of outstanding work, and having carried an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for many years, Knopp Construction has built a reputation of quality and trust. “We take your trust in us seriously,” says Paul Knopp. Just ask a couple typical customers about their past experience.

Knopp Construction excels at home remodeling and various home improvement projects, including Kitchens, Bathrooms, Sunrooms, and more. “I take a personal interest in and responsibility for your project,” says Paul Knopp. “It’s our goal to help achieve your vision and we do so by employing only the best craftsmen who are proud of the work they do.”

People often look to kitchens and baths first, but you can also add a front porch, expand your functional space, add a bay window, attach that separate garage to your home, add a spare bedroom, update your front door, and expand the entrance to your home.

There’s a lot you can do to enrich the space in which you live, but people often forget that remodeling can deliver an excellent return on your investment. In addition to creating a beautiful living space with increased comfort, security, and energy savings, Knopp Construction will work with you to maximize your return on your remodeling investment.

To discuss whatever you need for your home: move a wall to open up a room, screen in a porch, fix some rickety stairs, or treat your home to a long needed makeover, Knopp Construction will provide you with creative ideas, diligent follow-through, expert quality and a friendly, stress-free experience.

Start your planning now with a call to Knopp for a no-obligation, no charge consultation & estimate. We’ll help create the home you’ve always wanted. Call us today!

Team Lunde Inc.

With over 25 years’ combinded experience, Team Lunde Inc. offers you expert service, up-to-the-minute market knowledge and a capable support staff to turn your real estate goals into reality.

We understand that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction: it’s a life-changing experience. That’s why our team of highly-seasoned real estate professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service for all of our clients. We take great pride in the relationships we build and always work relentlessly on our client’s behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals.

Our team represents the best and brightest in the industry, and we’re always striving to lead the field in research, innovation, and consumer education. Today’s buyers and sellers need a trusted resource that can guide them through the complex world of real estate. With our extensive knowledge and commitment to providing only the best and most timely information to our clients, we are your go-to source for real estate industry insight and advice.

Our philosophy is simple: clients come first. We pledge to be in constant communication with our clients, keeping them fully informed throughout the entire buying or selling process. We believe that if you’re not left with an amazing experience, we haven’t done our job. We don’t measure success through achievements or awards, but through the satisfaction of our clients.

Please call us today for a no-obligation consultation. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Gambino Building & Remodeling

Since 1923, Gambino Homes has been building and remodeling homes. Whether your interest is in a Custom home, a Semi-Custom home, or quality home remodeling, Gambino Building & Remodeling is the preferred choice of the people living in Winnebago, Boone, DeKalb, Ogle and Stephenson Counties.

From their beginning, the Gambino Family has built and remodeled thousands of homes for families like yours. In fact, Gambino also was the first developer to create and develop Rockford’s first planned community and has been one of the leading land developers for residential communities. The Gambino’s have developed and built homes in Guilford Country Club Estates, Shaw Woods, Prairie Ridge, Deer Woods, Eastwood, Willowbrook North, Harmony Acres and more.

Frank joined the company is 1983, worked under Joe Gambino, and took charge of the building division in the late 1990’s. Since that time Frank has become one of the most knowledgeable builders in the area. If you can dream it, Frank can built it – – and do so in a way that exceeds your expectations. That’s because with Gambino Building & Remodeling you deal directly with the owner of the company who cares about making your vision come true. You’ll appreciate how from the inception of your idea for your home, until completion of your project, Frank is onsite working with you and his contractors to provide a quality of service and attention to detail that few builders can match.

Another very important advantage you get when you build with Gambino is that, as the general contractor, Frank has worked with many of his subcontractors and tradesmen for decades. Gambino’s plumbing contractor, for example, has been doing excellent work for Gambino Homes for over 40 years, and Frank’s carpenter crew has been on the job for over 20 years. Because Gambino believes in quality and consistency in his product, he insists on using those trades he knows will do outstanding work for you.

For all of these very same reasons, Gambino is the smart choice to handle your next remodeling project. Whether it’s a large addition, built properly to fit your home’s style, or the kitchen of your dreams, or that new bath you need for your growing family, Gambino Building & Remodeling will not only build it, but will also warranty every aspect of your project’s unique remodeling process.

Now is the time to make your dreams come true.For the quality new home or remodeling project you deserve, call Gambino Building & Remodeling today!

Dianne Parvin

Dianne Parvin knows that finding the perfect home means much more than just finding a nice house. It’s about finding the right feel, the right layout and the right location. Dianne is intimately familiar with Rockford and the surrounding communities and is committed to helping you find the perfect home for your family. Add in Dianne’s more than 40 years of real estate experience, and you have a winning combination!

Dianne is a two-time cancer survivor. She’s a former Winnebago County Board member and has a passion for the Rockford community. She’s been awarded Realtor of the Year and No. 1 in production in the Rockford Area. She is consistently the top agent of Century 21 Affiliated in Rockford and last year finished No. 5 out of more than 2,200 agents in the Midwest with Century 21 Affiliated. Dianne is a member of the Rockford Area Association of Realtors and Midwest Real Estate Data. She’s also a member of Forest Hills Country Club. Dianne enjoys selling real estate, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren.

Lindsay Moore has been employed in Real Estate for more than five years and has been a licensed real estate broker for the past two years. She has an extensive background in property management and real estate sales. In addition to being a licensed real estate broker, Lindsay is the direct assistant to Dianne Parvin.

Ron and Elaine Hamilton, also known as Team Hamilton, have a vast knowledge of everything real estate. Ron has been selling real estate for 28 years, Elaine for 24 years.

Jodi Stromberg has more than 25 years of experience in property management, neighborhood, community and real estate development. Jodi was employed by the Rockford Housing Authority in a variety of management roles for the past 19 years. She joined Dianne’s team in May 2017.

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